Celiac.com
08/24/2001 - It is well known that celiac disease causes destruction
of the villi in the small intestine that results in malabsorption
of nutrients in affected individuals. There is solid evidence that
additional neurological complications can result, such as epilepsy,
possibly associated with occipital calcifications or folate
deficiency and cerebellarataxia. An increase in brain white-matter
lesions has been reported in patients with Crohn disease and ulcerative
colitis, but until now, not in patients with celiac disease. A recent
study published in the August 2, 2001 issue of Pediatrics has now
demonstrated a similar increase of these lesions in patients with
celiac disease.

The study was
carried out by Dr. Kieslich and colleagues of the Departments of
Pediatrics, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany,
on 75 biopsy-proven celiac disease patients who were on a gluten-free
diet. Most of the patients in the study were between 2.8 and 24.2
years old, and the mean age was 11.6 years. All of the patients
underwent prospectively clinical neurological examinations,
laboratory investigations, electroencephalography, computed tomography,
and magnetic resonance imaging. According to the study the
mean period of gluten exposure was 2.4 years, although it was likely
longer as recent studies have shown that many celiacs are asymptomatic
for many years before damage occurs that is severe enough to cause
obvious symptoms.

The researchers
found that ten of the patients had neurological manifestations such
as febrile seizures, single generalized seizures, mild ataxia,
and muscular hypotonia with retarded motor development, although
no folate deficiencies were found. Further, the hippocampal regions
appeared normal, and no cerebral calcifications were found, however,
the MRI results showed unilateral and bilateral T2-hyperintensive
white-matter lesions in 15 patients (20%). According to the
research, there does not appear to be a relationship between
these lesions and dietary compliance or neurological or electroencephalographic
abnormalities.

The researchers
conclude that focal white-matter lesions in the brain may
represent an extra-intestinal manifestation of celiac disease.
They theorize that the lesions may be the result of a decreased
blood supply caused by the constriction or obstruction of blood
vessels due to inflammation, or caused by the destruction of the
nerve fiber due to inflammation. Further, children with white-matter
lesions, even if they do not have intestinal symptoms, should be
tested for celiac disease. Last, more research needs to be done
on people celiac disease of all ages to develop a proper predictive
value, and to discover the exact cause of the lesions.

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Scott Adams

In 1994 I was diagnosed with celiac disease, which led me to create Celiac.com in 1995. I created this site for a single purpose: To help as many people as possible with celiac disease get diagnosed so they can begin to live happy, healthy gluten-free lives. Celiac.com was the first site on the Internet dedicated solely to celiac disease. In 1998 I foundedÂ The Gluten-Free Mall, Your Special Diet Superstore!, and I am the co-author of the book Cereal Killers, and founder and publisher of Journal of Gluten Sensitivity.

I am a 58 year old woman with recently diagnosed celiac disease. I was diagnosed in 2000 with MS. My father had Crohn's and Parkinson's disease. As well, my 11 year old niece developed seizures as a result of epilepsy. I am now wondering whether she should also be tested for celiac. Thank you for this information.

Just found I had celiac two weeks ago. The white brain matter was due to my passed drug abuse and that spasms and seizure were psychogenic and so and so forth for the last 10 years. I became so malnourished I almost died and was told I had anorexia. My psychiatrist told me to check out celiac and see a doctor fast. If hadn't of changed my diet before I saw the doctor I might not be here today.

I was experiencing alarming neurological symptoms (amongst other things), and upon having an MRI discovered large white matter lesions inconsistent with MS, and also rare in someone my age (30). They had no explanation for them. Out of desperation I sought natural therapies, and after an examination on the advice of my naturopath I attempted a gluten-free diet. It was like a new me! I experienced the best sleep of my life, no migraines, better concentration skills and complete alleviation of my heartburn/cramps etc. I told my doctor about it, she arranged for me to be tested - and celiac disease was the diagnosis. I wish I'd been diagnosed a decade ago and a lot of suffering could have been avoided!

Thank you for sharing, Krystal! I have a loved one going through a similar experience to what you are describing. There is sadly not enough information for many people regarding the brain-gut connection. I'm glad there are websites like this one, and medical professionals who are willing to blaze new trails. Best of health to you!

In Celiac.com's Forum Now:

I think you need to take a little time to learn about DH and celiac disease. Celiac and DH are technically autoimmune disorders. This is about DH:
https://celiac.org/celiac-disease/understanding-celiac-disease-2/dermatitis-herpetiformis/
Learning about celiac disease (overview):
...

I mean I might get a prescription refill, or a new vitamin pill for example, and take it for awhile, with absolutely no symptoms. As we know, no symptoms does not mean no damage being done. I will feel fine for weeks, but then I start feeling awful, like a bad flu coming on. I never did get t...

I think, at least from my personal experience, that these tests are accurate if you were diagnosed including blood work that was positive. All of the tests on my panel were positive by large numbers at diagnosis and over the next year, they went to very low normal for the ranges given. My GI sy...

https://www.ahealthblog.com/wp-content/uploads/Vitamin-Deficiency-Symptoms-Chart.jpg
What are you viewing this on? Looks fine on a computer screen, tablet...not so much. This is not a very comprehensive or detailed list either I really do suggest that app if you have constant iss...